The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will partner with drug companies to spur research on new treatments for opioid addiction and pain medications that are not addictive, according to The Wall Street Journal . In an article in the New England Journal of Medicine , NIH Director Francis S. Collins and Nora D. Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said the NIH will join with drug companies to launch an initiative in three scientific areas: developing better overdose-reversal and prevention interventions to reduce mortality, saving lives for future treatment and recovery; finding new, innovative medications and technologies to treat opioid addiction; and finding safe, effective, nonaddictive interventions to manage chronic pain. Collins and Volkow called for stronger versions of the opioid overdose antidote naloxone to counteract painkillers such as fentanyl and carfentanil, which are much more potent than heroin.

The risks associated with the use of opioids and medical marijuana have fueled the search for safer, effective pain medications. It is known that opioids and medical marijuana are considered effective treatments for chronic pain, but the drugs carry significant risks. Andrea Hohmann, of Indiana University in Bloomington, and team believe they may have moved one step closer to a potential candidate: a compound called CB1 PAM. The researchers recently presented their findings at the Society for Neuroscience's 46th annual meeting, held in San Diego, CA. According to Medical News Today , the researchers used CB1 PAM and it’s use led to long-term pain relief in mice. Importantly, the article notes, the compound did not trigger the "high" associated with marijuana use, and unlike the marijuana compound THC and endocannabinoid breakdown inhibitors, CB1 PAM showed long-term efficacy for preventing pain. "Our studies show that we can maintain or preserve therapeutic...

Dear Friend of NCADD ... It takes courage, determination and strength to avoid alcohol and drugs or to seek help and overcome addiction. We want to do everything in our power to provide the tools and support to help those on this journey. Without question, this is the most important journey of their lives and your support makes a huge difference in its outcome! On behalf of all those on the journey to recovery, and of all those waiting to start that journey, we thank you. Donate Now